Effect of preoperative physical activity on postoperative outcomes in esophageal cancer

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the characteristics of preoperative physical activity and its impact on the postoperative period in patients who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 30 patients who were diagnosed with esophageal cancer, underwent surgery, and fulfilled their conditions. Preoperative physical activity was measured using the step count, and metabolic equivalents as the amount of physical activity. We examined the relationships between preoperative step count and METs, patient demographics, treatment-related factors, preoperative physical function, and activities of daily living. Moreover, we examined the relationships of preoperative step count and METs with postoperative mobilization, physical activity, physical function, and activities of daily living. [Results] Preoperative step count was related to age, Glasgow prognostic score, and preoperative functional independence and associated with step count on postoperative days 7–13, METs on postoperative days 7–9, 6-min walking distance, and functional independence measures at discharge. [Conclusion] Improving the nutritional status and increasing preoperative physical activity by walking for esophageal cancer may help improve physical activity after postoperative day 7, exercise tolerance, and activities of daily after discharge.